“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,” reads the oft-quoted Jeremiah 29:11.

Whether they knew it from the very start or heard the calling later in life, the priests, deacons and religious men and women who are marking special anniversaries this year all agree: serving the Lord is being able to love God and all his people.

It was a day for the memory books, said those who helped plan for the June 10 retirement celebration of Msgr. James J. Brady, longtime pastor of St. Dominic Parish, Brick – one that recognized his Irish heritage, deep faith and steady hand with which he guided the parish of 4,500 families and its school for more than two decades.

“The ultimate goal [of a priest] is to be able to love God and to love all people,” said Father Daniel G. Cahill, who is celebrating 45 years of priestly ministry. “And I’ve had that wonderful honor of being able to pursue that all these years, and I continue to do that.”More ...Friday, July 27, 2018

For Msgr. John K. Dermond, the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination was not a milestone he could have reached on his own. It was a gift given to him through the prayers of those he has served over the years.More ...Friday, July 27, 2018

Father Kenneth W. Ekdahl’s path to the priesthood came by way of a career in the insurance industry, with his ordination coming at the age of 43. That path, he believes, provided a unique perspective that helped him serve faithfully throughout his 27 years as a priestMore ...Friday, July 27, 2018

Father Michael J. O’Connor may have just retired July 1 from full-time ministry as a priest of the Diocese of Trenton, but he has no plans to retreat. This is, to be sure a new phase of life – but one of ministry and activity, nonetheless.More ...Friday, July 27, 2018